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Irish Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Shamrock Rovers kick off Euro run with record-breaking demolition of St Joseph's
Shamrock Rovers smashed another European record and took a big step towards even more continental glory, with a first-leg demolition of St Joseph's. The Hoops were 1-0 up at half-time, but a flurry of substitutions saw them storm to their biggest ever away win in Europe. Shortly after Danny Mandroiu doubled their advantage, he was replaced by recent signing John McGovern, and he was less than two minutes on the pitch when he added to the scoreline. That goal was created and finished by three of Stephen Bradley's changes - with Aaron McEneff and Michael Noonan involved in the build-up. And another replacement, Jack Byrne, made it four with the finish of the evening from 20 yards. Once again, the awesome strength of Shamrock Rovers' squad has been highlighted. Last weekend, Bradley made a rarely seen quintuple substitution to close out their FAI Cup win over Wexford. That depth - plus the addition of Connor Malley on-loan from Sligo Rovers - will be key to the Hoops going all the way to the league phase, as they did last year on a record-breaking run. Speaking of records, only twice before have they scored four on the road - against Spora Luxembourg in the 1966/67 Cup Winners' Cup, and away to Larne last year in the league phase of the Europa Conference League. Both those results, however, were 4-1. Yesterday's clean sheet rarely looked threatened, after an early Manuel Sanchez header was well dealt with by goalkeeper Ed McGinty. From that moment on, Rovers looked in control on a sticky astroturf pitch and in conditions that required water-breaks midway through each half. Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . Moments before Rory Gaffney opened the scoring, the experienced forward had smashed an effort straight at goalkeeper Bradley Banda from close range. He made no mistake when a second opportunity arrived, this time from a hooked ball over the top from Dylan Watts. Gaffney ran onto the pass and into the area, and deftly chipped the advancing Banda. Shamrock Rovers' Rory Gaffney scores his sides first goal (Image: INPHO/Martin Seras Lima) Graham Burke went closest before the break to doubling Rovers' advantage, but that honour went to Mandriou in the 67th minute. Josh Honohan's shot was saved by Banda, but he could only push the ball out to Mandroiu just outside the box. His effort was bound for the right corner before it took a huge deflection that sent it inside the left-hand upright. Minutes later, goalscorers Gaffney and Mandroiu both went off, with McGovern and Noonan replacing them - and within two minutes of their arrival they linked up for Rovers' third. Noonan's low cross from the left was swept in by the former Dungannon Swifts striker at the near post. Two minutes later, Honohan teed up Byrne for a delightful finish; a curling effort that sailed inside the top right-hand corner. 'We're delighted,' said Hoops boss Bradley afterwards. 'I know a lot of people would have had us favourites to come here win the game, but you have to go and win the game and play what's in front of you, and I thought the players did that really well. 'It was extremely hot at kick-off time. The pitch is obviously sticky, it's an astroturf, but I thought the players got to grips with that really quickly and were excellent in how they went about the game. 'I was really pleased with how hard we worked, we didn't take our foot off, and that was really important.' Shamrock Rovers: Ed McGinty 6; Dan Cleary 7, Roberto Lopes 7, Lee Grace 7; Danny Grant 7 (Darragh Nugent 80), Danny Mandroiu 7 (John McGovern 71), Matt Healy 8, Dylan Watts 7 (Aaron McEneff 64, 7), Josh Honohan 7; Graham Burke 7 (Jack Byrne 64, 7); Rory Gaffney 7 (Michael Noonan 71). Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email .
The Irish Sun
24-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Alan Reynolds laughs off Shamrock Rovers ‘hex' talk as he claims another LOI team ‘have it over' his Bohs side
ALAN Reynolds was thrilled with Bohemians best 45 minutes in years - but he laughed off the idea Bohs are now Shamrock Rovers' kryptonite. The Gypsies 2 Ross Tierney bringing the Bohemians manager to the fans to show their appreciation 2 James Clarke celebrating his derby goal while the Rovers defenders look deflated It also ensured they moved up to second place nine points behind in-form Rovers, but Rennie's men have two games in hand and play Rovers again in September. The Hoops have lost just four games all year, but Reynolds laughed off the idea that his masterminding of three of them for Bohemians means he has a hex over them. He shrugged: 'I don't know what it is but But he acknowledged that his side's performance - particularly in the first half - was outstanding. Read more on League of Ireland He said: 'I was just talking to (coach) Derek Pender. He said he hasn't seen such a good 45 and he's here such a long time. 'I thought it was the best I've seen us without the ball but I'm not surprised. With the ball, there were transitions when they lost the ball from us winning it back, press and try to score. 'It's about consistency because it's hard to play like that in every game to be fair. Not many teams play like Shamrock Rovers either so you must have a gameplan for them. 'All credit to us tonight. I know Rovers are outstanding but tonight we looked a proper team.' Most read in Football Hoops' boss Stephen Bradley agreed that Bohemians were good, but felt his side did not meet their own standards. Bradley said: 'First half we were miles off the game, a million miles off what's required in any game but especially in this type of game. Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney lands new job working alongside fellow Premier League icon 'So as a result they were two up and could have been three or four to be honest, we were that far off the level but that's football, that's Dublin derbies 'You've got to credit Bohs, they were good but we were a million miles off it. You don't win games of football in this league if you're that far off the levels.' But while the Bohemians victory puts them close to the top, Reynolds said it is too early to talk about his side - who started the year with five defeats in their opening seven - as challengers. He added: 'To be honest, I haven't thought about it. I know you want to hear 'we're challenges,' but what are we nine points behind them? 'Give me another couple of months, and I'll tell you. We go on Friday and we lose to Waterford, so we can't afford to drop too many points.' BACK TO WINNING WAYS But the turnaround since then - Bohs have won ten of 14 games since then - has seen a mood change at Dalymount Park from fans calling for Reynolds' head to cheering him on. Reynolds always had the support of the players with Ross Tierney celebrating a goal against Sligo Rovers that kick-started their run by running to his manager. But the fan' backing is more recent and Tierney was the one pushing his manager forward to get the acclaim from the Jodi Stand last night. Reynolds said: 'I think that's a running joke, you see, because of what was going on here before. 'But hey, look, we enjoyed the moment. And if you can't enjoy news like this, what's the point? 'So I know our relationship (with the fans) has been fractured at times, but look, we're in a good place now. 'I think the dressing room is really good, and I don't have any doubts that the dressing room's been behind me, even last year, when the results weren't going well. 'We're a good, solid group and staff are really tight, so I don't doubt that. We're tight with all players. We care about them, but they see what we're trying to do. 'I'm sure if Ross Tierney thought I wasn't good at my job or I wasn't giving them proper information, he wouldn't be long telling me that either.'
Irish Daily Mirror
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Roberto Lopes on Rovers teen he says is ‘one of the players of the season'
Roberto Lopes has backed Shamrock Rovers' teenage stars to help spearhead the club's bid to return to the top of Irish football. Stephen Bradley's side have opened up an 11-point gap on the rest, thanks to last Friday's 4-1 dismantling of Cork City - and they can further extend their advantage tonight against Bohemians. Lopes (33) got on the scoresheet against the Leesiders, while Michael Noonan, who at 16 is less than half the veteran centre-half's age, scored twice. Noonan was one of three teens to start against Cork, along with John O'Sullivan and Cory O'Sullivan (both 19), while Max Kovalevskis (17) came off the bench. As did Cian Barrett, who only turned 20 in April. It's a frightening array of talent that is emerging from an academy that has already produced Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu. And Cape Verde international Lopes believes the young guns have what it takes to thrive in the high-pressure environment at Tallaght Stadium. Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 'The young people that we have in the dressing room at the moment are really good characters, really good personalities,' he said. 'And then the quality, everyone can see out there. They're ready to play. They're probably eager to play every game and they might have to be a bit patient. 'But you see when they come in there, they're ready to do a job. That's the most important thing. 'They give 100 percent each day in training and on the pitch then, they get the rewards for working hard.' While Noonan has been grabbing the headlines for his goal exploits - he has now scored six in the Premier Division, to add to his historic European goal against Molde in February - Lopes has been much closer on the pitch to Cory O'Sullivan. And he reckons the 19-year-old has been playing to a level beyond his years. 'Cory's been one of the players of the season for me,' said the Dubliner. 'The games he's been asked to come into, he's settled really well. 'He's had to cover for me, Lee, Dan, Josh, whoever, left wing-back, left centre-half. He's done a job and he's been brilliant. 'And you can see he's been in the 21s, got his first cap for that as well. Cory's got a good head on his shoulders and hopefully he can keep kicking on and finish the season strong.' As for O'Sullivan's character, Lopes recalled how the youngster started Rovers' 2-1 win away to Derry City in May, only to pick up an early yellow card and be replaced by Josh Honohan after just 17 minutes. The 19-year-old was back in the starting-11 a week later against Galway United, where he put in an excellent display. 'It was a decision the manager made because I think the yellow cards were being thrown out really early in that game,' said Lopes, 'so it's not a risk you want to take. 'It didn't affect Cory. I think he understands that well. And I think he knows in this game it's not personal. 'He thought about trying to make the team better. And look, I think the next game he came into, he was amazing again. 'He has a really good attitude, personality and resilience himself.' As for goalscorer Noonan, Lopes said: 'He is maturing with every game. He led the line really well and caused all sorts of problems. 'He's probably disappointed only to get two goals (against Cork), they were a great two but he's always hungry for more. I think his overall game was exceptional tonight.' Tonight's game at Dalymount Park will be another test for Rovers' youngsters - as will the title chase, even if the Hoops are streaking ahead of the rest. However, they are buying into Bradley's mantra to not look too far ahead, just as much as their senior teammates. 'I think that's the message around the place from the manager to the senior players. I think a lot of young lads get that as well,' said Lopes. 'They are grounded. I think that's important. And if you're not, you're brought to ground fairly quickly in pre-season. 'But we're blessed. We have a good group there. Everyone wants to work hard. Everyone's trying to get into the team. The message is the same.' A former Bohs player, Lopes knows just how big these Dublin derbies are. 'I think it always has been (the biggest derby) since I started football. The Bohs v Rovers, it's probably the biggest game on the calendar,' he said. 'We can't get caught up too much in the occasion, though. It's an important game for us in terms of trying to build on this momentum and keep going and three points. 'But yeah, I suppose it's the biggest game in Irish football for me.' However, with Bohs already chalking up two wins against Rovers this season - at the Aviva and in Tallaght, he sounded a note of caution. 'I probably sound like a broken record, but I think form goes out the window in these games,' he said. 'I always say it. We know it's going to be a tough game, especially going over there. We know how hostile it can be. 'So yeah, we just have to be prepared mentally going into that and play the game in front of us. 'You have to take the madness out of it at times. It's going to be there. It's going to be 100 miles an hour at times. 'But you need to be able to take a breath and put your foot on the ball and show your quality as well.'
Irish Independent
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Indo Sport podcast: Bits & Bobs US Open fails to excite Beats cause heat in Tolka
Today at 15:44 Conor McKeon joins Joe and Will for this Tuesday edition of Bits & Bobs led off with talk of Shamrock Rovers' celebrations in Tolka Park last week as Shelbourne learn of their European fate. Meanwhile, an emailer reignites talk of Jim McGuinness and his position as a community leader in Donegal.
The Irish Sun
17-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Stephen Bradley hoping Shamrock Rovers make the most of slice of luck from Drogheda United's misfortune
STEPHEN BRADLEY is hoping to make use of Shamrock Rovers' free pass after saying bye to Europe earlier than he wanted earlier this year. Drogheda United's exclusion from the Conference League has meant that Rovers will enter the competition Advertisement Group stage football is more easily achieved when a team enters in the Champions League, as was the case with Rovers in the 2022-23 and 2024-25 campaigns. But negotiating three rather than four rounds will help the Hoops with Bradley still smarting over their last-16 exit to Molde on penalties earlier this year. After winning the first leg away from home, Rovers gifted their Norwegian opponents a goal in Tallaght to level the tie. Bradley said: 'I think I said when we got to group stages the first time round that we didn't want to wait 10 years to do this again. Advertisement Read More On Irish Football 'We did it quickly after, I think it was the second year. Our aim is to try and do it all the time. 'Can we? I don't know. We'll see what the draw throws up, we'll see where the bodies are. 'We might get an off night and the team beats us, that's life, that's football, but our aim is definitely to go and try and be better than what we did last year in Europe. 'The frustration is we went out when we went out because I don't feel we should have but we did. I'd love to have another crack at it.' Advertisement Most read in Football Their elevation to the second round means that, after playing five games in the space of 14 days after the mid-season break, Rovers are scheduled to have just one match - against Sligo Rovers - in the following three weeks. And the Hoops - who extended their lead at the top of the table to nine points by beating Drogheda on Monday - will look to keep busy. Cristiano Ronaldo sends Donald Trump a 'special peace message' on signed shirt amid Israel and Iran conflict He said: 'We'll need to get games. I know we've had a few offers of games so we might need to take them up.' Bradley commiserated with opposite number Kevin Doherty over being put out of Europe because Silkeborg - also owned by the Trivela Group - also qualified for the Conference League. Advertisement He said: 'I feel for them, I really do, as a club. I feel for the players, the staff, the fans. They've worked their backside off to get to the competition and it's no fault of theirs that they're in this position. 'I can only imagine the disappointment that they're feeling. 1 Bradley does feel bad for everyone involved with the Louth club 'I understand the rules are the rules, I get it. But I thought they've done so well last year to get to the point where they're in Europe. It would have been a special occasion for this club. I'm gutted for everyone involved.' Advertisement There was no such sympathy on the pitch as Rovers came from behind to claim three points. Danny Mandroiu was brought on at the start of the second half to tee up Aaron Greene for the winner with Jack Byrne and Michael Noonan also introduced as substitutes. But Bradley insisted there is more to Rovers' pulling clear of the chasing pack than just having a stronger bench. He said: 'I think they help but I think we've also got to understand and recognise that we've done a lot of hard work the last 10 years to get the group to this stage. Advertisement 'It doesn't just happen, nothing's being handed to this group or this team. The squad's important, everyone's important but I think you have to understand that the players on the pitch, they wear teams down, they wear them down and then obviously the players come on fresh and have an impact. 'But there's a lot that goes into it. It doesn't just happen.'
